by Stacey Cato

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department arrested a homeless man who kidnapped, robbed, and tied up a good Samaritan who tried to help him.

According to Sheriff Troy Peterson, Ernest Eugene Leffew, 45, requested a ride from a man outside of a church on Monday. The man, graciously wanting to help the homeless fellow, accepted Leffew’s request and was ready to take him where he wished.

When Leffew got into the vehicle the situation quickly took a turn for the worse, authorities said. Leffew first took out a knife and demanded the drivers wallet. He then forced the man to drive to several ATM’s where he instructed him to withdraw money. Next, Leffew led the driver to a hotel on Canal Rd. where he forced him into a room and tied him up before fleeing in the man’s truck.

It took hours before the victim was able to free himself and call for help, Peterson said.

Deputies located Leffew near the Cross Roads Mall at a homeless camp later on Monday. He was arrested on felony charges of kidnapping and armed robbery and booked into the Harrison County Jail. Leffew is being held with no bond.

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